Tropical Cyclone named as Sarai

A GALE WARNING REMAINS IN FORCE FOR ROTUMA.

A GALE WARNING REMAINS IN FORCE FOR VANUA LEVU, TAVEUNI AND NEARBY SMALLER ISLANDS, YASAWA AND MAMANUCA GROUP, KADAVU, LOMAIVITI GROUP, VITI LEVU AND NEARBY SMALLER ISLANDS.

A STRONG WIND WARNING REMAINS IN FORCE FOR THE REST OF FIJI.

A HEAVY RAIN WARNING REMAINS IN FORCE FOR THE FIJI GROUP.

TROPICAL CYCLONE SARAI CENTRE [995HPA] CATEGORY 1 WAS LOCATED ABOUT 240KM NORTHWEST OF YASAWA-I-RARA OR ABOUT 310KM SOUTH-SOUTH OF ROTUMA AT 3AM TODAY.

THE CYCLONE IS MOVING SOUTH AT 35KM/HR. THE CYCLONE IS EXPECTED TO MOVE SOUTH AND THE CENTRE SHOULD BE ABOUT 260KM WEST OF YASAWA I RARA OR ABOUT 180KM WEST-NORTHWEST OF NADI BY 3PM TODAY.

AREAS WITH GALE FORCE WARNINGS:

Expect damaging gale force winds with average speeds of upto 65 km/hr with momentary gusts to 90km/hr

Rough to high seas with damaging northerly swells
Periods of rain, heavy at times with squally thunderstorms.

Sea flooding of low lying coastal areas expected.

FOR THE REST OF FIJI:
Expect fresh to strong east to northeasterly winds with speeds upto 45 km/hr with momentary gusts to 80km/hr.

Rough to very rough seas

With moderate easterly swells.

Occasional rain, heavy at times with squally thunderstorms.

Keep up to date with latest updates on: www.met.gov.fj or direct link to the Special weather bulletins on: http://www.met.gov.fj/index.php?page=warn1#20020.txt